The holiday season is an exciting time of the year! Last year we all celebrated the holidays differently: virtually. This year things are looking up for those who are fully vaccinated and want to gather, travel, and shop.

Reduce Your COVID-19 When Gathering

There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions with your family and friends while protecting your health. Many of us tend to gather to celebrate the holidays; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.

Here are a few tips from the CDC on how to safely celebrate the holidays when gathering with family and friends:

  • Protect those not yet eligible for vaccinations, such as young children, by getting yourself vaccinated
  • Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings and you are NOT fully vaccinated
  • If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
  • Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities

How to Safely Travel During the Holidays

Many of us have plans to travel during the holidays. Traveling can bring on anxiety, especially during a pandemic. When you hear someone cough or you  see someone not wearing a mask, you may get nervous for your safety.

Here are a few tips to help you get through traveling with anxiety during the holiday season:

  • Focus on your breathing; Breathing exercises are helpful when someone gets into an anxiety spiral while traveling.
  • Plan for specific scenarios; While we can’t predict the future, we can plan for a possible worst-case scenario, for example:
    • What if I run out of money? I can always call a family member or a friend. I can take a credit card for emergencies.
    • What if I lose my wallet? Upload your credit/debit cards on your wallet app on your phone to avoid pulling your wallet out as much. Take a picture of your photo ID to prevent misplacing the one in your purse.

Staying Safe While Shopping

We all love shopping. But is it safe to shop this holiday season during a pandemic? The CDC says holiday shopping in crowded stores is a “high–er risk” activity. People should limit any in-person shopping if they are not yet fully vaccinated.

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe if you go to public places to shop:

  • Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when you leave, and then wash your hands with soap and water when you get home.
  • Be sure to use shopping carts that a staff member in the store has sanitized to avoid spreading germs
  • Avoid going inside stores and utilize store pick-up options that many businesses are now using during the pandemic.
  • If you want to avoid going inside a public place, you can always shop online. According to the CDC, it is unlikely for the virus to spread via mail and packages.

Share these healthy tips with family and friends as you prepare to celebrate the holiday season. Remember, the holiday season is a time for love, fun, and family. Do your part to protect your family and friends this season.